Time Atac Alium clipless Pedals are extremely versatile cost conscious versions of the classic design. For the uninitiated, ATAC is an acronym for 'Auto tension adjustment concept' which in lay speak means masses of knee friendly float and remarkably dependable entry/exit since the twin bar expels mud with tremendous panache.

Cyclo crossers and mountain bikers are the obvious audiences but the pedals' qualities coupled with reasonable ground clearance lend themselves very nicely to road duties too.

100g portlier than standard clipless systems, Tonka truck build quality and impressive rigidity justifies some additional girth. Bodies are powder coated cast aluminium, which may scratch over time but unlike magnesium won't quickly succumb to the salt monster. High tensile steel axles lack the same strength to weight ratios as Cro-moly but feel very sturdy and turn on super slick, weather sealed cartridge bearings, which should last many seasons without intervention so long as you're not partial to jet-washing.

Disappointing then to discover that release tension seems take-it-or leave-it factory preset. I find this a curious move commercially since fine-tuning is almost universal - even on much cheaper systems. I also have a love/hate relationship with the brand's cleats, which boils down to material. Being a softer metal, brass is much kinder to the pedal bodies but wears much faster than steel, especially when gloop - whether it be winter or woodland - is involved.

Minor grumbles aside, performance has been otherwise excellent. Bombing along seasonally boggy bridle paths on my Univega presented no problems whatsoever and the slightly broader platforms provided welcome support over longer distances. This was also very welcome on riding fixed, where a single, eighty-one inch gear means storming up the climbs with pedals taking the majority of my weight.

More secure engagement inspires faster cadence. Entering city limits, cornering hard at roundabouts and similar traffic control couldn't ground them - at least with 172mm cranks.

Verdict

road.cc test report

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"A.T.A.C (Auto Tension Adjustment Concept)

The proven ATAC dual-arch retention system guarantees easy engagement and dependable release in all conditions. Low spring tension of the ATAC design causes less friction in extreme conditions, and along with an optimised release angle (13° or 17°), provides consistent entry and release, allowing MTB riding with total confidence.

When other pedals pre-release or jam, with ATAC you get quick and easy release when and only when you want it, even with mud, sand, gravel...

Self-Cleaning

Mud and dirt cannot stick to the simple 'open arch' engagement mechanism which is wiped clean by the cleat as you step into the ATAC pedal.

Fast Step-in

The ATAC body profile gives a wider angle of attack into a cleat engagement window that is larger than any other pedal. This is due to the width of the arches, combined with the spacing between the front and rear arches (TIME patent).

You can step into a TIME ATAC pedal faster than into any other.

Stability

The wide, stable platform of TIME ATAC pedals distributes pedaling pressure over a large area so you won't feel a pressure point or 'hotspot' under your foot. Unlike pedals without a platform, you feel secure on ATAC pedals even without being engaged."

The ATAC are principally an mtb design but lend themselves nicely to generic riding-especially fixed.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

· Steel axle and aluminium body

· ATAC system for ease of engagement

· Excellent mud-cleaning thanks to the self-cleaning concept

· Angular float (+/-5°) and lateral float (6 mm)

· Cleats included

Rate the product for quality of construction:

8/10

Rate the product for performance:

7/10

Rate the product for durability:

7/10

Bomb-proof pedals but brass cleats wear relatively quickly.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:

7/10

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

7/10

Positive engagement will polarise opinion.

Rate the product for value:

6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It's not difficult to appreciate why the ATAC system has been so popluar all these years, thanks to vastly superior mud clearance and ample knee friendly float.Dual sided design and positive entry/release lends them surprisingly well to fixed duties too, although being a softer metal means cleats wear faster compared with SPD.

The cleats might be soft but they don't wear quickly in a way which effects function at all. I have some which have outlived shoes I've race 'cross in for several seasons. Nice review, even nicer pedals.

I've been a Time fan for many years and they have always used a brass cleat and for good reason. The cleat is deliberately softer than the steel retaining spring/bars on the pedals so that they quickly wear to the riders default and most comfortable foot position as apposed to the riders foot having to adopt the position that a steel cleat forces it into if not perfectly positioned and adjusted.

Miscellaneous

Tools and workshop

Here's how we roll at road.cc: every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a real insight into whether it works or not. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective, and we strive to ensure that all opinions expressed are backed up by facts, but reviews are always a reviewer's informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores. It reflects both a product's function and value. Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad. Here's what they mean: